"I knew she was up to something. That is what she has been leading you on to." "How did you hear about her?" Andrew asked. "Did Ethel tell you?" "As a matter of fact, she wasn't very communicative, but I elicited a few scraps of information. It's surprising how one can follow up a clue." "I suppose so," said Andrew. "Whether it leads you right or not is another matter. I'm thankful I haven't your fervid imagination." "How he puts it off!" Hilda said to Wannop. "He's been learning diplomacy in Canada." Wannop chuckled. "I always knew he wasn't a fool. But I wish you would keep still. The horse is fresh and this is a steep bit of road." Hilda changed the subject, for she had learned enough from her brother's start to give her food for thought. "Leonard will be down to-morrow with Florence," Wannop said when they approached the house. "I suppose you'll have something to tell us. I needn't remind you that if there's any difficulty you can count on me." Andrew gave him a grateful nod, and a few minutes later they drove up to Ghyllside. CHAPTER XXIII UNEXPECTED SUPPORT The day after Andrew's return he was sitting in the library at Ghyllside, waiting for dinner. Though a fire burned on the hearth by which he lounged, cigarette in hand, two of the tall windows were open and the air that flowed in was soft and muggy. He had spent most of the day in shooting, and after a long walk across wet meadows and a boggy moor he now felt very comfortable and somewhat drowsy. He would have to bestir himself when the guests he expected arrived, and he was enjoying a few minutes' rest. His cigarette was, however, only half smoked when Wannop walked in. "As I didn't see you downstairs I came up to look for you; Gertrude's with Hilda. Haven't Florence and Leonard arrived yet?" "Train seems to be late," Andrew replied. "I suppose I should have gone to meet them, but I felt lazy." "Was that all?" "It wasn't my only reason. To tell the truth, I shirked the drive home with Leonard. I'm a poor dissembler and our relations are rather strained. It will be easier to meet him when there are others about." "They'll be on his side." "I expect so; but I'm not afraid of direct opposition. It's beating about a delicate subject and trying to keep on safe ground that bothers me." "I know; it's embarrassing. You won't be able to broach matters of any importance to-night." "No. We'll have one or two outside people here and I want my homecoming to be harmonious. We'll let things stand over till to-morrow." "Feeling nervous about it?" Wannop suggested with a grin. "I'll confess that I do. It's the preliminary tussle, and I haven't many backers." "You needn't be downhearted. I don't know that your people are remarkably broad-minded, but they're straight--I'll say that even for Robert. They'll come round if they think you're right. But don't be apologetic; take a firm tone. Manner goes a long way and, after all, you are the head of Allinson's."